Bean Bag Projectile Device

ABSTRACT

A bean bag projectile device for use in dodgeball or similar game facilitating a safer, more comfortable, and unencumbering game for players. The device contains two exterior oblong side panels; two circular end panels on opposite ends permanently attached to said exterior oblong sides forming an enclosed hollow core; a sealed bladder against the inner surface of the two oblong side panels; and interior filler.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/838,440, filed on Apr. 25, 2019, which is hereby incorporated in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bean bag projectile device that canbe used to safely engage in a dodgeball game or similar gameplay.

BACKGROUND

The following description is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presentinvention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referencedis prior art. Any publications cited in this description areincorporated by reference herein. Where a definition or use of a term inan incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definitionof that term provided herein, the definition of that term providedherein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does notapply.

Currently, for a dodgeball game, or similar type of game, an inflatedrubber playground ball is commonly used. In rare instances, a bean bagtype projectile may be used instead of the rubber playground ball. Aversion of a bean bag used as a projectile is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,480,280. One problem with current projectiles is that they are toohard and cause discomfort to a person who is struck. Currently, beanbags used as projectiles are filled with dried beans, lead shot,granular pellets of soft rubber, or similar materials. These materialsare still too hard, have too much mass, and do not allow for a softimpact upon the person being struck.

Another issue related to the use of a rubber ball or a bean bag is notknowing when a player has been struck by the projectile. Dodgeball, andsimilar games, involve a player, who was struck, to admit he/she wasstruck, or for the other players to reach a consensus that a player wasstruck. U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,882 B2 sought to partially remedy thisshortcoming by introducing an apparatus worn by a player that included aplayer hand-held device. This device included electronic lights thatwould light up and a buzzer that would sound if a player stepped out ofthe playing area. Such a device is large and, thus burdens the playerwho is trying to dodge a projectile. Furthermore, due to the large sizeof the projectile, unstruck players are wrongly eliminated, because thedevice or the wires connected to the device could be struck instead bymistake.

Another problem created by the above device is the player must hold ontothe device during the game, thus encumbering the player's ability tocatch a thrown projectile, throw the projectile, or dodge an incomingprojectile. Furthermore, this device does not identify if a player isstruck by a ball. The device only signaled whether a player stepped outof bounds while playing. Whether a player steps out of bounds is of lessimportance than where a player is struck during a game of dodgeball, orduring any game that is focused on determining whether a person is outof the game because he/she is struck by an object being used in thegame.

A standard dodgeball projectile is normally round, making it easy forthe projectile to roll into an inconvenient or dangerous area afterbeing thrown. This is especially true for children running after a ball.For adult players, a round ball still causes players to chase afterballs, thus wasting energy and potentially losing the balls.

Therefore, there exists a need for a device that is lighter in weightand made of material that ensures any game is played with minimum riskof injury to the players, especially children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bean bag projectile device that doesnot harm a player or cause discomfort, encumber the player, or create asituation where someone has to chase a ball and possibly sustain injury.In an embodiment, a bean bag projectile device has an exterior shellmade of a soft and flexible fabric or other material such as gabardine,cloth, or a soft plastic. The interior of the device comprises a softplastic filler or fiber filler with a consistency like cotton. Theinterior further comprises small pellets which can be made of plastic,rubber, or beans, or any combination thereof.

In an alternative embodiment of the bean bag projectile device, theinterior comprises a thin soft and flexible bladder that encloses thedevice's interior and makes an audible sound when the device makescontact with an object. This embodiment causes the device to easily giveand collapse in on itself upon contact with another object, such as theground or a person's body, without causing pain, injury, or discomfortto a person's body. In yet another embodiment, the interior bladder'sdesign is configured to produce a subtle, audible noise, which providesthe players a secondary indicator, besides the visible feedback, of whena player is struck by the device.

In all embodiments of the device, due to the device's soft, flexible,and collapsible feature, even when the device is flung or thrown withgreat force, the device quickly comes to an almost sudden stop on theground without bouncing numerous times. Also, the distance at which thenew device comes to a standstill is reasonably short, and thus,facilitates fast and exciting game play for the players, similar to atypical game of dodgeball.

In an embodiment, a bean bag projectile device configured for safelyplaying dodgeball like games, comprises two exterior oblong side panelscomprising two short edges; two circular end panels comprising two outeredges; and interior filler. Each of the short edges of the oblong sidepanels is permanently connected to corresponding outer edges of each ofthe circular end panels by a stitching inside seam.

In a further embodiment, the exterior oblong sides and the circular endpanels, comprise thin, soft, flexible material such as gabardine, twill,cloth, plastic, paper, rubber, or any combination thereof.

In still another embodiment, the exterior oblong side panels arepermanently attached to the circular end panels by glue or hook and looptape material.

In one embodiment, the exterior oblong sides panels are about 4 to 8inches in length and about 2.5 to 4.5 inches in width.

In one embodiment, the circular end panels are about 1 to 3 inches indiameter.

In yet another embodiment, the interior filler is about 1 to 2 cups ofuncompressed fiber material.

In an embodiment, the interior filler is about 1 to 2 teaspoons ortablespoons of plastic, bean, corn, beads, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the interior filler is about 1 to 2 teaspoons ortablespoons of a cylinder, rectangular, or prism shaped material.

In one embodiment, the interior filler is about 1 to 2 cups of fibrousmaterial comprising cotton, saw dust, sand, or any combinationtherefore.

In yet another embodiment, a bean bag projectile device configured forplaying dodgeball like games, comprises two exterior oblong side panelscomprising an inner surface; two circular end panels on two oppositeends of the device permanently attached to the exterior oblong sidesforming an enclosed hollow core; a bladder against the inner surface ofthe two oblong side panels; and interior filler.

In one embodiment, the bladder is attached to the oblong side panels bysewn seems, glue, or hook and loop tape.

In another embodiment, the exterior oblong side panels, the circular endpanels, and the bladder comprises thin, soft, flexible material such asgabardine, twill, cloth, plastic, paper, rubber, or some combinationthereof.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments, along with the accompanyingfigures in which like numerals represent the components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the bean bagprojectile device with a cutaway portion showing the interior filling.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the interior of an exemplaryembodiment of the bean bag projectile device.

FIG. 3a is a side view of one type of pellet used in the interior of thebean bag projectile device.

FIG. 3b is a side view of another type of pellet used in the interior ofthe bean bag projectile device.

FIG. 3c is a side view of thin strands of fibrous material used in theinterior of the bean bag projectile device.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view of the attachment of the flexible oblongside panel to the flexible circular end panel.

FIG. 5 is a view of the interior of an alternative embodiment of thedevice with the exterior panels removed to show the bladder of the beanbag projectile device.

FIG. 6 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the bean bag projectiledevice held in a user's hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The bean bag projectile device can be used in a variety ofdodgeball-like games in lieu of the normal projectile devices and ballsnormally used in dodgeball-like games. The device is designed to preventharm to players, remain near to the playing area when thrown, and to notcause harm to a player.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“fill” is intended to include the pellets and interior material of thedevice. Therefore, the terms “fill,” “pellet,” and “interior material”may be used interchangeably.

Furthermore, as used in the description herein and throughout the claimsthat follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as usedin the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “into” and “on”unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “about” in conjunction with a numeral refers toa range of that numeral starting from 10% below the absolute of thenumeral to 10% above the absolute of the numeral, inclusive.

FIGS. 1-6 depict exemplary embodiments of bean bag projectile device 16,and interior filler 22 (collectively describing individual components24, 28, and 30 as described below) of device 16. In an exemplaryembodiment, device 16 comprises two exterior oblong side panels 18, andtwo circular end panels 19, wherein short edge 25 of oblong side panes18 is permanently connected to outer edge 27 of circular end panel 19 bystitching inside seam 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). In an embodiment, filler22 is inserted prior to fully closing device 16 with ladder stitch seam20. Furthermore, inside seam 21 and ladder stitch seam 20 are furtherenhanced by using a triple stitch, heavy duty thread, or by stitchingwith a serger.

Other appropriate means of attachment for circular end panel 19 andoblong side panel 18 is glue or hook and loop tape. A skilled person inthe art will be readily able to select a suitable means of attachmentbased on the operating conditions and requirements in the configurationscontemplated herein.

In one embodiment, filler 22 comprises oval granular element 24, oblonggranular element 28, and fibrous element 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 a-c). Inanother embodiment, interior filler 22 is added to the interior ofdevice 16 to add mass and soften impact. FIGS. 3a-c and 5 depict theinterior view of an exemplary embodiment of oval granular element 24,oblong granular element 28, fibrous element 30 for bean bag projectiledevice 16. In this embodiment, device 16 comprises two pieces of oblongside panel 18 and two pieces of circular end panel 19 that form a hollowcore to enclose oval granular element 24, oblong granular element 28,and fibrous element 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). In one embodiment, eachoblong side panel 18 is about 4 to 8 inches in length and about 2.5 to4.5 inches in width at the mid-section of device 16 and tapers to about2 to 4 inches in width at either end of device 16. In anotherembodiment, each circular end panel 19 is about 1 to 3 inches indiameter. In one embodiment, two pieces of circular end panel 19 areused as end pieces of device 16. In one embodiment, oblong side panel 18and circular end panel 19 comprise flexible material such as gabardine,twill, rayon, cotton, polyester, blends, or any combination thereof. Inaddition, two pieces of oblong side panel 18 and two pieces of circularend panel 19 comprise an enclosed flexible cover for the exterior ofdevice 16.

In a further embodiment, a hollow bean bag shell is created byconnecting two pieces of oblong side panel 18 and two pieces of circularend panel 19, and then filling the hollow shell with oval granularelement 24, oblong granular element 28, and thin strands of fibrouselement 30 (see. FIGS. 1 and 5). In a yet another embodiment, bladder 36is inserted into the interior of device 16 against inner surface 26 oftwo oblong side panels 18 and two circular end panels 19 (see FIG. 1 andFIG. 5). In one embodiment, bladder 36 comprises a shell of a thin,soft, collapsible and flexible plastic, paper, or rubber material thatis capable of both enclosing filler 22 while allowing device 16 to makean audible sound when device 16 makes contact with an object. Bladder 36is closed at bladder opening 38 by sealing two adjoining bladder sidestitches 39 with glue, stitching, tape, or any other suitable means ofattachment.

In yet another embodiment, device 16 is filled with about 2 teaspoons ortablespoons of oval granular element 24, wherein oval granular element24 comprises a hard, smooth, small round or cylindrical-shaped pellet asshown in FIG. 3a . Furthermore, the amount of oval granular element 24within device 16 is no greater than a small fraction of the diameter offully assembled device 16, with about 5 to 7 ounces per cup oflightweight pellet material.

In another embodiment, device 16 is filled with about 1-2 teaspoons ofoblong granular element 28, wherein oblong granular element 28 consistsof a hard, smooth, small cylindrical-shaped or round pellet, as shown inFIG. 3b . Furthermore, the amount of oblong granular element 28 withindevice 16 is about 8 to 12 ounces per cup of heavy weight pelletmaterial. In an embodiment filler 22 comprises the combination of theoval granular element 24, the oblong element 28, and fibrous element 30.

In yet another embodiment, device 16 is filled with about 1 to 2 cups offibrous element 30, wherein fibrous element 30 comprises uncompressedfiber material, shown in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, oval granularelement 24 comprises plastic, bean, corn, beads, or any combinationthereof. In an embodiment, oblong granular element 28 comprises plastic,bean, corn, beads, or any combination thereof. However, in oneembodiment, oblong granular element 28 and oval granular element 24differ in mass. In a further embodiment, oval granular element 24 andoblong granular element 28 are cylindrical shaped, or rectangular prismshaped. In yet another embodiment, thin strands of fibrous element 30comprise cotton, sawdust, sand, or any combination thereof. After device16 is filled, it is attached by glue, hook and loop tape, or similarmaterial to the inner surface 26 of the collapsible shell to be enclosedas shown in FIG. 5, and as shown in FIG. 1, where the outer surface isconnects two oblong side panels 18 to two circular end panels 19 to keepfiller 22 inside device 16.

In an exemplary embodiment as displayed in FIG. 6, bean bag projectiledevice 16 has signature logo 49 on oblong side panel 18 and isconfigured to be held in a user's hand. In addition, device 16 isdesigned to be manually launched by the user's hand below the shoulderwith swift velocity and minimal discomfort or pain upon impact whenstriking a player or when caught in hand by a player of a game.

Thus, specific embodiments of a bean bag projectile device and methodsto employ the device have been disclosed. It should be apparent,however, to those skilled in the art that many more modificationsbesides those already described are possible without departing from theinventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, isnot to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, allterms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistentwith the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising”should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps ina non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with otherelements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

1. A bean bag projectile device configured for safely playing dodgeballlike games, comprising: (a) two exterior oblong side panels comprisingtwo short edges; (b) two circular end panels comprising two outer edges;and (c) interior filler; wherein each of said short edges of each ofsaid oblong side panels is permanently connected to each of said outeredges of each of said circular end panels by a stitching inside seam. 2.The bean bag projectile device as recited in claim 1, wherein saidexterior oblong sides and said circular end panels, comprise thin, soft,flexible material such as gabardine, twill, cloth, plastic, paper,rubber, or any combination thereof.
 3. The bean bag projectile device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said exterior oblong side panels arepermanently attached to said circular end panels by glue or hook andloop tape material.
 4. The bean bag projectile device as recited inclaim 1, wherein said exterior oblong sides panels are about 4 to 8inches in length and about 2.5 to 4.5 inches in width.
 5. The bean bagprojectile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said circular endpanels are about 1 to 3 inches in diameter.
 6. The bean bag projectiledevice as recited in claim 1, wherein said interior filler is about 1 to2 cups of uncompressed fiber material.
 7. The bean bag projectile deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein said interior filler is about 1 to 2teaspoons or tablespoons of plastic, bean, corn, beads, or anycombination thereof.
 8. The bean bag projectile device as recited inclaim 1, wherein said interior filler is about 1 to 2 teaspoons ortablespoons of a cylinder, rectangular, or prism shaped material.
 9. Thebean bag projectile device as recited in claim 1, wherein said interiorfiller is about 1 to 2 cups of fibrous material comprising cotton, sawdust, sand, or any combination therefore.
 10. A bean bag projectiledevice configured for playing dodgeball like games, comprising: (a) twoexterior oblong side panels comprising an inner surface; (b) twocircular end panels on two opposite ends of said device permanentlyattached to said exterior oblong sides forming an enclosed hollow core;(c) a bladder against said inner surface of said two oblong side panels;and (d) interior filler.
 11. The bean bag projectile device as recitedin claim 10, wherein said bladder is attached to said oblong side panelsby sewn seems, glue, or hook and loop tape.
 12. The bean bag projectiledevice as recited in claim 10, wherein said exterior oblong side panels,said circular end panels, and said bladder are comprise thin, soft,flexible material such as gabardine, twill, cloth, plastic, paper,rubber, or some combination thereof.